You Are What You Think

Created & published on 2/17/20

Have you ever heard the saying," You are what you eat?" This saying is VERY TRUE! Whatever you eat, really does show up through your body. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies, you will look and feel healthy & great! If you eat a lot of junk food, like cookies, chips and ice cream, your body will certainly look and feel like it.

The same applies to your thinking. The bible says in Proverbs 23:7,"Whatever a man thinketh, so is he" (KJV). Whatever thoughts you ponder in your heart, it reflects through your life and actions. Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life" (CSB).

Did You know we think between 60,000 - 80,00 through per day, that is 2,500 - 3,000 thought per hour. Random thoughts constantly run through our minds and, believe it or not, your thoughts pave the way for your life, even your future! They manifest and come to life; these manifestations can either help you flourish or put your life pause (derail you from your God given purpose). I'm sure you know our thoughts aren't always full of sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes toxic, negative thoughts can dominate our minds. Thoughts like 'I'm never enough', 'My life sucks' or 'I'll always be broke'. Sometimes our thoughts might be negative towards other people, like thoughts fueled by jealousy envy, comparing yourself to that person. Perhaps your thoughts are constantly butchering your self-esteem, reminding you of your physical appearance, Looking in the mirror might trigger your thoughts in to a downward spiral, you may think, "If my body were this way or that way, then you life would be better". These thought are fiery darts for the enemy and are strategically designed to oppress you and prevent you from fulfilling your destiny. These thoughts are LIES!

Gods's word encourages us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (one of my favorite verses)

"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (KJV).

I love this verse, especially when it says, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." the NLV says "..take hold of every thought, making it obedient to Christ." When you think 'take hold', it this verse is telling you to grab your thoughts, to capture it! God is instructing us to control our thoughts.  So often we allow our thoughts to control us, especially the negative, toxic thoughts. How we interact with people, how we carry ourselves, toxic thoughts seem to rule and govern our lives!

Of course these types of thoughts hurt our lives. Since our God is such an amazing and loving God, He provides a sweet alternative. In Philippians 4:8 it says,"Christian brothers (and sisters), keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things."

Lets break this down a bit:

True:

I can tell you now, all toxic, negative thought are Lies! They come from the pit of Hell, from the father of lies (satan). Therefore, they are NOT TRUE! Too often our thought are not true! Yes, you have been believing lies for too long! So the next time a random thought aka LIE comes across our mind, we need to ask ourself, is this thought true? Are they authentic? Most importantly, do they line up with God's word?

Respected (noble):

You, my friend are a child of the most HIGH GOD! Therefore, your thoughts should be noble, your thoughts should be royal and regal. Not to be confused with being arrogant, yet not depreciating of yourself, think of yourself in a repulsive and unkind way. Chin up, carry your crown with a smile!

Right:

Of course everyone wants to be right, but this instruction is challenging us to think in a righteous manner; thinking in a way that allows accuracy and appropriateness to guide us.

Pure:

To think pure at heart, it simply means choosing to think on ethical, good, upright and honest things.

Lovely (loved):

Thinking lovely thoughts means to see the beautiful and stunning in life and allow our minds to think upon those things.

Well thought of:

(Admirable, Excellent, worthy)

Admirable thoughts are credible, and distinguished and allow us to live in such a way that is commendable. Excellent thoughts lead us to live excellent lives.Thoughts that are worthy of praise are simply thoughts towards God, His creation, His ways, His plans. When our thoughts are on God, it's safe to say that is a good thing. 

Thinking on true, respected, right, pure, lovely, and well thought of things is the first step toward practicing a kingdom mindset. Your thoughts are the closest thing to your spirit. Keep in mind, whatever a person thinks, that is who they are. Since we are born in sin, and it is deemed natural to think negative thoughts, we have to reprogram our minds into having kingdom thinking. How, you may ask? Romans 12:2 says, "Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect" (NLV). Let God renew your mind. This of course will take a lot of spending time with Him and saturating mind in God scriptures. Just like eating, whatever you put in will comes out; same for your thoughts; whatever your mind absorbs (like reading your bible, or studying your devotionals), it will reflect through your thoughts and your life style. 

Challenge: Write down some negative/toxic thoughts that have been tormenting/controlling your life lately. Then write a prayer to God based on what you've learned from this devotional regarding these thoughts. 

Prayer Time!

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father,

I surrender my thoughts to you. I release of all the mental toxicity; negative thoughts that have controlled my life for far too long; thoughts that have controlled how I interacted with other people, even relating to situations in my life. I cast down every negative thought that exalts itself above Your knowledge, Oh God! I take my thoughts captive, and subject them to obey Your will, Your plan for my life, and who You are! I know that I don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against, rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). I am fighting against the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16), that is what's fueling these negative thoughts floating through my mind. I know I already have the victory thought Christ Jesus! Therefore, I choose to have a Philippians 4:8 mindset, thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent. I choose to think positive thoughts that are worthy of praise! I know this won't be easy, but again I believe I have the victory though Jesus Christ my Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:57) Thank You Lord Jesus for renewing my mind! In Jesus Name, amen!

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